Nadir Afonso Museum of Contemporary Art

Nadir Afonso Museum of Contemporary Art (MACNA), Chaves

The Nadir Afonso Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu de Arte Contemporânea Nadir Afonso) in Chaves, a pleasant ten minute walk along the right bank of the Tâmega River from the Roman Bridge, is dedicated to the art of Nadir Afonso (1920-2013).

Nadir Afonso Museum of Contemporary Art, Chaves. — Nadir Afonso Museum of Contemporary Art, Chaves

Nadir Afsono

Nadir Afsono, who was born in Chaves, was both architect and artist. He studied architecture at university in Porto and began a career in architecture in the city after graduation while at the same time continuing his painting.

After World War II, Afonso moved to Paris to study and paint and later worked under the famous French architect Le Corbusier. It was while in Paris that his art moved towards his own particular style of geometric abstractionism. In the early 1950's Afonso accepted an invitation to relocate to Brazil to work under the Brazilian architect, Oscar Niemeyer, before he returned to Paris to follow up an interest in Kinetic Art.

In 1965, Afonso returned to Chaves and became more secluded, dedicating himself to his geometric paintings.

Afonso's work can be seen at the Chiado Museum in Lisbon and some of his tile panels adorn Restauradores Station on the Lisbon metro. However, the largest collection of his art, including drawings, letters, models, paintings and sketches, is now on display at this purposely built museum, which opened in 2015.

Afonso's Cities series, which depict places all around the world, are his most famous paintings and are on display at the museum.

The one story building, designed by Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza, is beautifully lit with natural light from a skylight and with windows overlooking the river and an outdoor terrace.